Arabic version: ممنوع دخول الممثل الفلسطيني إلى الأوسكار بسبب حظر السفر

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has announced that he cannot attend the upcoming Academy Awards due to a travel ban imposed by former President Donald Trump. Malhees stars in the film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which has been nominated for best international feature film. The movie tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024.

According to The Guardian, Malhees expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating, “I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship.” He added that it “hurts” to miss the prestigious event where his film is being recognized.

The travel ban, enacted through a December proclamation, restricts entry for individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Trump justified the ban by citing security reasons, and it took effect on January 1, according to the U.S. State Department.

While other Palestinian cast members of the film possess citizenship that allows them to travel to the U.S., Malhees holds only a Palestinian passport. The film is inspired by a tragic incident in which five of Rajab’s family members and two ambulance workers were killed by Israeli fire. Israel has stated that the incident is under review.